Travel Blogs from Bagno a Ripoli

... So resolved to return to L'Pissaccherie on our last day in Florence. A chill came with the afternoon, so we headed in what we guessed was the direction of our apartment. After many re-calculations we made it to familiar territory (deciding we had definitely passed through "the hood" on our way). While Michael chose to stop at the Uffizi Gallery and take in some art, the rest of us opted for the warmth of our apartment and some much needed R & ...

Before heading to the southern part of Tuscany, we started the day by touring the inside of the Duomo in Florence. This cathedral was begun at the end of the 13th century by Arnolfo di Cambio, and the dome (somehow constructed with no scaffolding) was added in the 15th century on a design of Filippo Brunelleschi. A statue of these two architects can be found on the outside with the beautiful mix of white, pink and green marble. The inside is more simple, with ...

... the sunset setting on the red rooftops of Florence was spectacular.

We took off for Il Itini's, a restaurant known for its Florentine steaks. The two mile walk led us to a closed restaurant! If you are ever in Florence, please be aware that many restaurants close early or are closed all day on Sunday and Monday! We were a little bummed but ended up walking back towards the Duomo and scored a table literally right in front of it. Again, ...

... the Ponte Vecchio (lots of jewellery) to Piazzle Michelangelo and up 163 steps (yes I counted them on the way back down) - had a wonderful view of Florence and a copy of David. Not DCD - the statue. Walked further up to San Miniato Church.

Walked back down and via Saint Croce Church

Went for a tour of the Uffizi Gallery and through the Piazza del Signora (seeing another copy of David and Neptune). ...

Florence definitely lives up to its reputation as one of the most beautiful cities in the world and the cradle of the Renaissance. We've enjoyed a mix of sightseeing, shopping and chilling out....even spent the afternoon at a local pool getting a start on the Eurotans.

There is so much beauty and history it's just impossible to take it all ...